The University of Georgia Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring Awards recognize outstanding faculty mentors and academic departments and programs that consistently make a concerted effort to involve undergraduates in research and foster the enrichment of the undergraduate learning experience at the University of Georgia.

Department & Program Awards | Master & Early Career Awards

Department & Program Award

The purpose of these awards is to recognize departments and programs that evidence an ongoing commitment to involving undergraduates in research and fostering the enrichment of the undergraduate learning experience at the University of Georgia. Demonstration of contributions toward creating a culture of inquiry at UGA will also be considered in selection for these awards.

We invite nominations of departments, and programs that evidence achievement and success in fostering undergraduate research, including notable undergraduate achievements and awards, faculty directed research, and the career trajectory of graduates, along with a consistent effort to involve undergraduates in research at the University of Georgia.

Academic vice presidents, deans, directors, and/or department heads are asked to nominate outstanding departments and programs that demonstrate superior research opportunities and mentoring programs for their undergraduate students. This mentorship should include outstanding teaching, supervision of undergraduate research projects and theses, and collaboration on publications and presentations at professional conferences. 

A University of Georgia selection committee, composed of faculty members from across the University, will review the nomination portfolios for this award.

Criteria

The selection committee will look for evidence that nominees have supervised undergraduate research in paid positions and/or for academic credit, including supervision of research projects, directed studies/undergraduate courses, and theses. Evidence of undergraduate scholarship culminating in presentations at symposia or conferences, and referred publications will also contribute to the selection.

Required Documentation

Nomination portfolios for the UGA awards are limited to 10 pages, including any appendices (no smaller than 12 point). Each portfolio must include the following information:

• Nomination letter from the department head or director (1 page).
• A narrative that outlines the goals, theories, and methods the mentor uses to guide undergraduate students' research project or theses; describes the ways in which students were/are involved in the research; and includes data/evidence of the findings of the research and its potential impact in lay and scholarly communities (1-3 pages).
• Two letters of support from the colleagues qualified to comment on the value and quality of the research mentorship and its contribution to the educational experience of undergraduates. These letters should also explain how this nominee's work with undergraduates in research has influenced other colleagues.
• Two letters of support from current and/or past students who participated in a research project.

Seven complete sets of the UGA nomination portfolio should be received in the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) by the above date. Please staple each set separately and place in one envelope. We cannot accept faxed portfolios. Complete portfolios should be sent to: Dr. Pamela B. Kleiber, Associate Director, Honors Program, CURO Coordinator, 203 Moore College, CAMPUS.

The nomination deadline is January 6, 2010.

Master & Early Career Awards

The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstanding individuals who consistently make a concerted effort to involve undergraduates in research and foster the enrichment of the undergraduate learning experience at the University of Georgia. Last year a second award category was created to recognize faculty at different stages of their careers for their contributions toward undergraduate research.

The Early Career Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentor Award invites nominations of faculty who have between five and ten years of teaching and research experience who consistently make an effort to involve undergraduates in research at the University of Georgia.

The Master Undergraduate Research Mentor Award invites nominations of faculty who have a ten or more years of teaching and research experience at the University of Georgia, and who consistently make a concerted effort to involve undergraduates in research at the University of Georgia. This year the recipient of the award will receive $500. It is recommended that this award be used to provide further support for undergraduate research endeavors.

Nomination Procedures

Academic vice presidents, deans, directors, and/or department heads are asked to nominate outstanding faculty and teaching staff from their departments and research units who demonstrate superior research mentorship with their undergraduate students. This mentorship should include outstanding teaching, supervision of undergraduate research projects and theses, and collaboration on publications and presentations at professional conferences. It is recommended that each department develop its own nomination process in order to inform all students, faculty, and staff of these valued activities so that they can fully participate in the nomination process of worthy candidates.

A University of Georgia selection committee, composed of faculty members from across the University, will review the nomination portfolios for this award.

The nomination deadline is January 6, 2010.